On Jan. 5, 2013, a new Lindenwood sports team took the floor for the first time when the Lady Lions gymnastics program had its inaugural meet at the University of Denver. That team, the first new NCAA gymnastics program in ten years, was made up of ten gymnasts, including nine freshmen. Eight of those freshmen are still a part of the Lindenwood program today, and they will be honored this Friday at the team's final regular season meet versus Centenary at 6 p.m. in Hyland Arena.
 
Seven members of that team are still on the Lindenwood roster in Lauren Cartmell, Trystien Charles, Alicia Floyd, Daniela Fumagalli, Courtney Heise, Valeri Ingui, and Rachel Zabawa. The eighth member is Katie Kuehl who serves as the team's student assistant coach this season. These eight gymnasts have a unique collegiate career in that they not only contributed to a program for four years, but they helped build that program from scratch.
 
The program that these Lady Lions have built is already one of the best programs at its level in the nation. Even in its inaugural season, Lindenwood found some success. The start was rocky, with the team recording a score of 185.925 in that Denver meet. By the end of the season, though, Lindenwood scored over seven points higher with a 193.050 at the MIC Championships.
 
Three gymnasts earned all-MIC honors and six advanced as individuals to the USA Gymnastics Women's Collegiate National Champonships. Floyd earned first-team All-American honors at that event, and Zabawa was the first individual national champion in Lindenwood history, earning co-championship honors on the beam
 
The second season started with a new head coach in Jen Kesler, a graduate assistant coach for the Lady Lions during their inaugural season. Lindenwood immediately showed great improvement, dropping under 190 in just two meets that season. The Lady Lions qualified as a team for the USA Gymnastics National Championships, and just missed out on advancing to the finals.
 
Six Lindenwood gymnasts earned first-team All-American accolades that season, including Heise, Ingui, and Zabawa.
 
In 2015, Lindenwood gymnastics broke through with a championship season. The Lady Lions won the MIC Championships with a school-record 195.800 score. A few weeks later, they won the USA Gymnastics Team Championship with a mark of 195.550.
 
Individually, Ingui was named the MIC Gymnast of the Year, and she won the conference's all-around title. Heise won two MIC individual titles with school record marks of 9.950 on the vault and 9.900 on the bars. At nationals, Cartmell and Charles both won their first first-team All-American honors, and Heise and Zabawa also added to their All-American collection. Lindenwood had three gymnasts qualify for the NCAA Regional Championships, including Ingui and Heise.
 
This season, the Lady Lions have been hurt with injuries throughout the season, but the senior class has kept Lindenwood on track. Lindenwood is currently the favorite the repeat as MIC Champions at the conference meet on March 19, and it is ranked second among programs eligible for the USA Gymnastics National Championships. The Lady Lions will also get to end their careers at Hyland Arena, when Lindenwood hosts the USA Gymnastics Women's Collegiate National Championships.
 
As they prepare for their final regular season meet, the senior class took time to answer some questions about their Lindenwood careers.
 
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self before the program's inaugural meet at Denver, what advice would you give yourself?
Lauren Cartmell- If I could go back in time and talk to my younger self, I would give myself the advice of enjoying each moment and not taking anything for granted. I would tell myself that the journey is long but worth the dedication and hard work. Each moment of success or failure is a part of the process and sometimes it's important to take a step back and just remember why you started in the first place. 

Trystien Charles- I would tell myself to stay in the moment and not take a thing for granted. "Every setback is a setup for an even greater comeback". My years as a gymnast at Lindenwood have been filled with many adversities with injuries that I eventually overcame with patience, love, and care from those around me.

Alicia Floyd- "There are no words to describe the journey you are about to go on, but stay strong and cherish every moment because it will be over in the blink of an eye."
 
Daniela Fumagalli- Being a gymnast and a biology student is so demanding, however you will learn that pushing forward every day with your goals in mind, you are capable of doing many things beyond what you think you can handle.

Courtney Heise- Little did I know then, but I was in for one crazy ride. I would tell my younger self to "expect the unexpected".

Valeri Ingui- The advice I would give myself is to always remember why I started gymnastics, and why I love gymnastics. There are always going to be hard days in and out of the gym, but do not let those days get the best of you. Gymnastics is a sport that you love with all your heart and hate all at the same time. People who do gymnastics have so much passion for the sport, but no one can be perfect all of the time. Taking a step back and living in the moment instead of looking toward the future is something every gymnast should remember to do when they are having a hard day. I would also tell myself to enjoy the college experience.
 
Katie Kuehl- I would probably tell myself that this first season was not going to be easy, but it will be filled with many ups and downs.  The next four years are going to fly by so it is important to cherish every moment with the people and support system I am surrounded with.

Rachel Zabawa- If I could go back in time to our very first meet at Denver, the advice I would give myself would be to take it all in because it all goes by so fast and to celebrate each routine.
 
Besides the team winning the MIC and USA Gymnastics Championships, what is your favorite memory as a Lindenwood gymnasts?
LC- My favorite memory as a Lindenwood Gymnast would be all the memories that were made while traveling. There was never a dull moment with this team and every time we were together on a trip we made the most of it and made memories that will last forever. Times such as Alaska or California when we got to spend a few extra days enjoying the presence of one another and having a great adventure.

TC- My favorite memory as a gymnast at Lindenwood would simply be the camaraderie and closeness my class and I have built over the years. Our class is filled with so many different personalities that complement each other for the best.
 
AF- Although there have been countless special moments throughout my years here at Lindenwood, my absolute favorite memory was the feeling I had after nailing my first beam routine back in competition this season. After injuring my ACL last season and enduring hours of rehab, pain, and tears, I knew that it was all worth it for that moment of pure bliss. It's a memory that I will cherish forever.
 
DF- The first year of the program and how we pulled together as a team with Jen Kesler, the GA as our leader, and with the help of many wonderful volunteer coaches and supporters, and pulled of an unforgettable inaugural year.

CH- I will never forget when our vault lineup scored a 49.5. Growing up, vault was easily my worst event. It wasn't until college that I blossomed into a vaulter. At this particular meet, several girls in front of me scored a 9.9. When I vaulted, I vividly remember sticking my vault, and then turning to my coach with tears in my eyes. As I ran down to my ecstatic teammates at the end of the runway, I could see they were all crying too. Turns out, I had scored a 9.95. In the middle of the meet, our whole team, coaches including, were crying tears of joy. Without exaggeration, one of my fondest memories as a Lady Lion. 
 
VI- There have been so many amazing moments the past four years, but my favorite memories are our annual Halloween scavenger hunt around campus. We are split into teams. Each team chooses a theme to dress up as. Then our coaches pass out a packet with all of the rules and a bunch of pictures and questions. The goal is to find the items pictured in the packet and take a picture with every team member. There is also a time limit, which means we are running around campus as fast as we can in crazy costumes.  When we get back to the meeting place the coaches have candy apples for us to make.  

KK- My favorite memories as a Lindenwood gymnast would probably have to be the road trips we have all taken as a team. You really get to see and get to know everyone's personalities (including the coaches), which has always been a blast.

RZ- I have two favorite memories, a personal and a team memory. The team memory would be the very first time we all met at Katie Kuehl's house, we all had such a strong bond right away and I wouldn't change that. A personal memory would be when I won Nationals on Beam in 2013, being the first ever National champion is something I will always remember.
 
Talk about your experience in winning the USA Gymnastics National Championship last year, and being able to accomplish that feat in just three seasons as a program?
LC- Winning the National Championship last year was a moment unlike anything else. We had all worked so hard that entire year. We left our hearts out on the floor and gave everything we had. It was amazing to see how far we came in just a few short years! Our coaches knew we were capable of it, but on the second day of national we all believed we could do it! Each moment during that competition there was fire in our eyes and the determination to show what we were made of! At the end of the night it was such an amazing experience being able to say we did it! 

TC- It was an incredible experience that I will never forget. I believe that the win came purely from our team chemistry, the potential was already there. Our routines were great, but what set us above and apart from the rest was our love and fight for our team. To accomplish winning such a title in just three years shows our passion for this sport and this team.
 
AF- It is an amazing feeling to say the least. Even though I wasn't able to contribute on the competition floor last year because of a major knee injury, my heart was completely invested in the team and I was overjoyed about the accomplishments that we made in just three short years as a new program.
 
DF- That whole competition was the most exciting environment and moment I have ever experienced in my life. It was an incredible feat for such a young program but going into the meet we decided to just go out there, put our hearts out on the floor, and do it for one another. 

CH- Winning Nationals has always been our goal, since the first day I stepped onto Lindenwood's campus. Watching us grow as a program into National Champions last year was such an experience. It was incredibly rewarding to be able to look around at my teammates and see all of our blood, sweat, and tears pay off. And trust me, there was A LOT of blood, sweat, and tears. It was truly a moment not only in my gymnastics career, but in my life, that I will never forget.
 
VI- There are still days where winning nationals still seems so unreal. Postseason is always more mentally challenging than physically. We knew from the beginning our goal was to win, and we know we had all of the potential in the world to do exactly that. This team has so many talented girls. Day one of nationals we had a good meet, but it was also not the best meet we have had. We faced a little adversity, but we were able to bend and not break. Day two was amazing. We skill at a time, one person at a time, one event at a time. Our team knew the meet was not over until the last person went on floor. To be honest when the meet was over I was not entirely sure if we had won or not. I was not keeping up with the other teams. I was too focused on what my team was doing. When they announced Lindenwood had won there was so much excitement that filled me. Not only had we won nationals, we won in three years, and we beat Bridgeport who had won the past six years. To be a part of a team that changed history feels amazing. 

KK- I think that it is such an accomplishment for the team as a whole. I did not compete during that season but I did learn that no matter whether you compete or not, every person on the team has a role and their role is important. For our team to come this far in such little time really shows how much we value teamwork and shows the dedication of everyone involved in this program.

RZ- Thinking about us winning the USA Gymnastics National Title last year still gives me chills. It was such an accomplishment and we could not have done it without working as one unit. We knew we were capable of winning, it was just if we could put all of the pieces together, which we did. We all worked so hard to achieve such a big accomplishment and I think it was amazing we did it in just three years.
 
Describe head coach Jen Kesler in one word?
LC- It's really hard to describe Jen in one word, but I would say big-hearted or passionate 

TC- If I were to describe Jen Kesler in one word it would be passionate. Ever since the beginning, her passion for the team and the sport of gymnastics has shined through her. Her constant positivity and uplifting attitude has led her to restore our program and has brought us to where we are today. We are so thankful for such a loving leader of the program.

AF- Passionate
 
DF- My Idol

CH- Passionate

VI- Passionate

KK- Dedicated

RZ- Loving. Jen not only loves us as her athletes and treats us as if we are family, but she truly loves the sport of gymnastics. You see her passion and dedication to us and this sport every single day.
 
How important has your relationship with your teammates been throughout your career, especially among this year's senior class?
LC- My relationship with my teammate has been very important over the years and especially this year because we have to trust one another in and out the gym. We've become a family and live life together, and that bond we create makes us tighter within the gym.

TC- Throughout my career, my teammates have always played a huge role in encouraging and pushing me to be better. This year's senior class has a lot of heart and dedication. We have been through so much together, good and bad, and our growth as individuals is a product of it all. I would not be the person I am today without the love and support of my "second family".
 
AF- My relationship with my teammates has been something very important to me since day one freshman year. Being the inaugural class has created such a special bond between us girls. I feel like the senior class has gotten even closer in friendship this year knowing that our journey is almost over. We've been cherishing every moment we have left together.
 
DF- The friendships I've made among my senior class will stay with me throughout my life. These girls are my best friends and together we have experienced all the thick and thin that comes with being a competitive athlete and student. I with 100 percent certainty can say that I would have not made it through these four years without my girls by my side. They have pulled me through every hard time and all the struggles that come with the every day grind, whether it's giving me confidence in my gymnastics, or telling me that i CAN pass that horrifying genetics test.

CH- I would be nowhere without my teammates, especially my fellow seniors. I have been through thick and thin with these girls. They are my personal counselors, my shoulders to cry on, my daily doses of motivation, my perfect stress relievers, my best friends and my sisters. Each one of them have shaped me, in some way, into the person I am today, and I am forever grateful.
 
VI- In college gymnastics, it is much more of a team sport than in club, but it is also still individualized. The relationships I build with my teammates here will last a lifetime. There are not many people in this world that understand what gymnasts go through on a daily basis. Having a strong relationship with my teammates is so important. They are always there to pick you up, or give you a little pep in your step when you are having a hard day. I love my senior class. People always say you can pick your friends, but you don't get to pick your family. I would definitely choose these ladies to be a part of my family. There are eight of us left from our inaugural class. There are so many great things I could say about this senior class. 

KK- I would say that the relationships with my teammates are one of my favorite parts about being a Lindenwood Gymnast. Since freshman year we haven't only been teammates but we have become a family. I will stay friends with some of these girls for the rest of my life and for that I am grateful.

RZ- My relationship with my teammates throughout the years I have been here have been really important. I not only want to set a good example in and outside of the gym, but I want my teammates to know that I am always here for them no matter what. If you have a good relationship with your teammates, magic happens. You are able to work together as one unit and build off of each other. We may not see eye to eye all of the time, but in the end we know we are always there for each other no matter what. That is why my relationship with my teammates is so important to me.
 
What are your feelings about your final regular season home meet and Senior Night on Friday?
LC- I have very mixed emotions about senior night!! Gymnastics has been a part of my life since I was 18 months old. It's crazy to think that it's almost over. It's hard that it is almost over because I have given all my dedication to it, but gymnastics isn't my identity anymore, my identity is in Christ and because of that I can walk away from the sport with a different mindset. I am also excited to spend the night competing for the school I love! 

TC- I am very excited about Senior Night and can't wait to finish out the regular season with a bang. This year is the first time in my collegiate career that I've been able to compete floor because in previous years I've been more limited due to injuries. Although it will not be our last time competing in Hyland because of Nationals, it will still be an emotional night to say the least. Seeing everyone's families and our growing home crowd is always a blast to be a part of. 

AF- I'm sure the rest of the senior class would agree when I say that it is a bittersweet feeling. It has been such an honor being a part of the inaugural gymnastics team here at Lindenwood. It is sad to think that my gymnastics career is almost over, but I am so grateful that I've had such an amazing experience. I'm so excited to make more history this Friday at our first senior night!
 
DF- I'm sad that I will not be able to compete in it.

CH- Honestly, it feels like a roller coaster ride of emotions. It is a bittersweet ending, but there is no other team I would rather cross the finish line with!
 
VI- My feelings going into Friday are mixed. There are more excited emotions than anything, but also a few sad ones. Even though it is senior night, this will not be our last time in Hyland, because we are hosting the USA Gymnastics Nationals. My favorite part about home meets is the crowd. I am very excited to be back home in Hyland and just enjoy the moment. 
 
KK- Going into this meet is definitely going to be bittersweet. Although I am not competing, I am excited to be with the same people who started this program and to really see how much we have all changed and grown throughout our time and experiences here at Lindenwood.

RZ- My feelings about my last regular season meet is bittersweet to say the least. I have been doing gymnastics for 20 years and to think that it is coming to a close it tough. It has been one crazy ride throughout the years, but I would not change any of it. I could not have made some of the best memories of my life without my best friends (teammates).